Meaning: "The studios will go wherever they smell money. It's like sharks to the blood." - Don Bluth

Don Bluth, a renowned American animator, director, and producer, made this statement to illustrate the nature of the entertainment industry, particularly the animation studios. In this quote, he compares the studios' pursuit of lucrative opportunities to the instinctual response of sharks to the scent of blood. By using this analogy, Bluth conveys the relentless and profit-driven nature of the industry. This quote sheds light on the business aspect of animation and highlights the competitive and opportunistic behavior of studios in their quest for financial success.

The comparison to sharks seeking blood underscores the aggressive and single-minded pursuit of profit by animation studios. Just as sharks are instinctively drawn to the scent of blood in the water, animation studios are similarly attracted to potential sources of revenue. This comparison serves as a powerful metaphor for the industry's relentless pursuit of financial gain, often at the expense of artistic or creative considerations.

Bluth's insight into the behavior of animation studios reflects the broader dynamics of the entertainment industry. Studios, driven by financial incentives, constantly seek out projects and markets that promise high returns on investment. This pursuit of financial gain can sometimes overshadow artistic integrity and creative innovation, leading to a focus on profit-driven productions rather than artistic merit.

Furthermore, the quote encapsulates the inherent commercialism within the animation industry. As Bluth suggests, the studios' primary motivation is financial gain, and they are willing to go wherever opportunities for profitability arise. This commercial focus can sometimes result in a homogenization of content, as studios prioritize marketable concepts and formulas over originality and artistic risk-taking.

Moreover, the quote also implies a certain ruthlessness and opportunism within the industry. The comparison to sharks conveys the predatory nature of the competition among animation studios. In the pursuit of financial success, studios may aggressively pursue lucrative projects, talent, or market segments, often leading to fierce competition and strategic maneuvering within the industry.

In summary, Don Bluth's quote provides valuable insight into the profit-driven nature of animation studios and the broader entertainment industry. By likening the studios' pursuit of financial opportunities to sharks drawn to the scent of blood, Bluth effectively captures the relentless and opportunistic nature of the industry. This quote serves as a reminder of the commercial realities that often shape the creative landscape of animation, highlighting the complex interplay between artistry and commerce in the entertainment industry.